Your vote is a valuable right, but you must be registered to use it. Find out who can vote in Irish elections, what you can vote for, and how to check or update your details online.
Why your vote matters
Free and fair elections are a key part of democracy.
They give people who are eligible the right to vote. This right is known as universal suffrage.
However, 25 countries do not allow all their citizens to vote.
Ireland has had universal suffrage since 1922. Eligible voters can vote now in referenda, Presidential, Dáil, European and Local Elections.
Who can vote in Ireland?
People from other countries can also vote in some Irish elections. The rules depend on their citizenship.
- British citizens who live in Ireland can vote in General and Local Elections.
- EU citizens who live in Ireland can vote in European and Local Elections.
- Non-EU citizens who live in Ireland can vote in Local Elections.
Check that you are registered to vote
Having the right to vote is important. But you also need to make sure you are on the electoral register.
Take a few minutes to visit the Government website: www.voter.ie.
You can use the site to:
- Check if you are registered to vote.
- Register online if you are not on the register.
- Update your name, address or other personal details.
- Read or download electoral forms and information.
Use your right to vote
Voting gives you a say in how the country and your local area are run.
Take a few minutes to check your details on www.voter.ie. Make sure you are registered so you can use your right to vote when an election or referendum takes place.
More information
You can find more information about voter registration at these websites:
- www.voter.ie and
- https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/elections-and-referenda/voting/registering-to-vote/